Hoyle, Houchin, LaLota Lead Bipartisan Effort to Get Fire Fighters the Parkinson’s Care They Need
For Immediate Release: July 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Erin Houchin (IN-09), and Nick LaLota (NY-01) introduced the bipartisan Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 to provide medical coverage and increased support for federal fire fighters who develop symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Despite clear evidence linking fire fighting to an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s, the federal government has yet to officially recognize the connection. As a result, fire fighters living with Parkinson’s face needless bureaucratic barriers when seeking thecare they need. This bill would change that by formally recognizing Parkison’s as a job-related illness for fire fighters to access the care they have earned and deserve.
“Fire fighters are exposed to significantly more toxins than the civilian population. They put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that the medical issues that disproportionately arise as a result of their service are covered. Fire fighters shouldn’t have to fight to prove the link between their service and Parkinson’s disorders, given the data. This is the least we can do to those who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving us,” Rep. Hoyle said.
“Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every day, facing extreme risks most of us will never fully understand. The science is clear—chemical exposure and head trauma from fire fighting significantly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act ensures these heroes aren’t left to fight this battle alone. This bill is about honoring their service with the care and support they’ve earned,” Rep Houchin said.
"The risks fire fighters face don’t end when the fire is out, and the science is clear: repeated exposure to toxic chemicals on the job significantly increases their risk of developing Parkinson’s. That’s why I support federal legislation to establish a presumptive link. Our fire fighters deserve more than praise—they deserve care, support, and the full backing of the country they serve," said Rep. LaLota.
“The research is clear: fire fighters face an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease due to frequent, repeated exposure to toxins on the job. That’s why the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act is so important. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure fire fighters have access to the care and support needed following a Parkinson’s diagnosis,” said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly. “The IAFF is proud to endorse this bill, and we’re grateful to Reps. Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this critical issue.”
“The sacrifices made by federal fire fighters extend far beyond the immediate risks of responding to fires and other emergencies,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “Many suffer from job-related injuries and illnesses, including Parkinson’s, long after their federal service ends. NFFE is proud to endorse the Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act to ensure these brave men and women receive the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve should they be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Thank you to Representatives Hoyle, Houchin, and LaLota for their leadership on this important issue.”
“Fire fighters are exposed to numerous neurotoxic chemicals as they do their vital work. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is proud to endorse Representative Hoyle’s efforts to support fire fighters who develop Parkinson’s disease as they bravely protect our communities,” said Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, Chief Mission Officer, APDA.
The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Carbajal (CA-24), Neguse (CO-02), and Thanedar (MI-13).
The bill is also supported by 6 organizations including the: International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), American Parkinson Disease Assocation, Davis Phiney Foundation for Parkinson’s Power Over Parkinson’s, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Power Over Parkinson’s.
Background
Parkinsonism (PD) is a term used to describe a group of disorders that impacts movements and motor controls. Studies show that certain consistent chemical exposures and head injuries are linked to increased risk of PD.
Fire fighters are routinely exposed to chemicals such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide through their service, both of which have well documented links to developing PD.
Fire fighters are also at greater risk of concussions, which has been shown toincreased risk of developing PD.
The Bill
The Parkinson’s Protection for Fire Fighters Act of 2025 would officially establish PD as one of the “certain illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities.”
Adding PD to the list of diseases linked to fire fighting would make it easier for fire fighters with PD to get medical coverage, care, and benefits without each individual fire fighter having to prove their occupation caused it.
The bill helps to ensure that current and future generations of federal fire fighters get the protection, support, and care they earned and deserve.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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